Dissolution of a Nightmare

It's coming!

Danger on a Runaway Locomotive

Sanosuke's Betrayal: The Fateful Reunion

It's coming!

Midnight Battle: Sanosuke Vs Kenshin Revisited

It's coming!

The Crimson Pirate: Kenshin and Kaoru Separated

A ship sails silently in the thick fog. Suddenly, it is attacked by a fearsome gang of pirates.

At the dojo, Kaoru is worried. There is very little food and no money to buy more. As luck would have it, Kenshin and the others hear of the need for men by the Senbo Nya Fleet. It would be a dangerous job since earlier that day Kaoru read about the pirates, Kairyu, in the paper. They're a fierce group that will slaughter anyone who dares to fight back. In spite of that, Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Yahiko gladly take the job, especially when it offers 40 yen each for the safe return of the ship.

When the ship sets sail, seasickness sets in for poor Yahiko. As he is vomiting over the side, another young women joins him. What a surprise! That young women is Miss Kaoru. She explains that she took the job in order to get food for everyone.

That evening on the deck, Kenshin tells Miss Kaoru that had he known she took this job, he would have prevented her from boarding the ship. She asks if he's mad. When Kenshin says no, Kaoru reminds him that she can take care of herself. Suddenly, the weather turns ominous. A flash of lightning shows the outline of the Kairyu's impending attack.

The pirates board the ship with a deadly vengeance. Their leader, Shura, boards sneering, "Who will be my first prey?" Shura attacks many men before taking on Sano. He is swiftly knocked off his feet by Shura's nunchaku's. Afterwards, the lead pirate scans the ship for another worthy opponent. Shura eyes Kenshin, Kaoru, and Yahiko. (NOTE: Watch this scene carefully for you'll see the same man who was slaughtered on the first ship in the beginning of this episode, get slaughtered once again. Doh! Does this guy have nine lives?)

Kenshin tries desperately to protect Ms. Kaoru, but she is struck from behind by one sly pirate. She insists it's only a flesh wound, and they continue fighting. There are pirates everywhere! One grabs Yahiko and throws him from the ship....Sanosuke quickly jumps in after him. At the same time Kenshin, is hit with a poison needle. It's then that Shura points to Kenshin and declares, "That man is mine to kill!!" What a surprise! Shura is merely a small woman.

Although, Shura is very good, it isn't long before Kenshin slices through her nunchaku's and defeats her. She stands in shocked disbelief at her loss. Kenshin's legs give as the poison needle takes effect. Shura can't believe he was poisoned and still beat her. Just then the sound of cannons ring out. The ship is fired upon by a Navy patrol ship. Since they've confiscated the loot (foreign tobacco), the pirates retreat. Geki wants to take Miss Kaoru captive, but Kenshin begs for her release. Shura reminds them that they don't hurt women and children and allows Kenshin to take her place.

As a small life boat carrying Sano, Yahiko, and Ms. Kaoru drifts away, the haunting voices of the pirates echoing "EXECUTE", "EXECUTE" can be heard in the distance. Suddenly, a familiar voice is heard as well.....it's Kenshin calling, "Sanosuke, Yahiko, take care of Ms. Kaoru...I'm counting on you!" Drifting further apart, Kaoru tearfully cries his name.